CN112638217A - Stirrer system with vibration-proof seal - Google Patents
Stirrer system with vibration-proof seal Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CN112638217A CN112638217A CN201880096502.5A CN201880096502A CN112638217A CN 112638217 A CN112638217 A CN 112638217A CN 201880096502 A CN201880096502 A CN 201880096502A CN 112638217 A CN112638217 A CN 112638217A
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- Prior art keywords
- container
- valve
- opening
- assembly
- seal assembly
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
- A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
- A47J43/0727—Mixing bowls
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
- A47J43/046—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven with tools driven from the bottom side
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
- A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
- A47J43/08—Driving mechanisms
- A47J43/085—Driving mechanisms for machines with tools driven from the lower side
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A container (32) comprising: a sealable body comprising a chamber (42); at least one opening formed in the sealable body; and a vacuum seal assembly (52) mounted to the sealable body adjacent the at least one opening. The vacuum seal assembly (52) includes a valve (60) and a mechanism (70) movable between a first position maintaining the valve (60) in sealing engagement with at least one opening and a second position releasing the valve (60) from the sealing engagement or exposing the valve (60) to release the sealing engagement.
Description
Background
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a blender, and more particularly, to a container of a blender configured to receive one or more food items therein.
Blenders are commonly used to process a variety of different food products, including liquids, solids, semi-solids, gels, and the like. Blenders are well known to be useful devices for mixing, cutting and dicing food products in a wide variety of commercial applications, including home kitchen applications, professional restaurant or food service applications, and large-scale industrial applications. They conveniently replace manual chopping or chopping and typically have a series of operating settings and modes adapted to provide a particular type or amount of food processing, for example for a particular food product.
Several benefits may be realized by creating a vacuum within the blender container or attachment before or after the blending operation. For example, by creating a vacuum prior to the blending operation, the overall deterioration of the nutritional properties of the ingredients in the process may be reduced. Accordingly, the blender container or attachment may include a seal that is movable to selectively create a vacuum within the blender container. However, when the blender container is used in a high vibration environment, such as in a vehicle or when the container is carried in a bag, there is a possibility that liquid or other components inside the blender container may leak through the seal.
Disclosure of Invention
According to an embodiment, a container assembly comprises: a sealable body comprising a chamber; at least one opening formed in the sealable body; and a vacuum seal assembly mounted to the sealable body adjacent the at least one opening. The vacuum seal assembly includes a valve and a mechanism movable between a first position maintaining the valve in sealing engagement with the at least one opening and a second position releasing the valve from the sealing engagement or exposing the valve to release the sealing engagement.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments the valve includes a valve stem and a flange in overlapping arrangement with the at least one opening.
In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the mechanism applies a force to a peripheral portion of the flange in the first position.
In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above, in other embodiments a portion of the mechanism engages the flange, the portion of the mechanism having a profile that is complementary to a profile of the flange.
In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above, in other embodiments, the mechanism may be rotatable about an axis between the first position and the second position, the axis being oriented generally perpendicular to the at least one opening.
In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above, in other embodiments, the mechanism may be rotatable about an axis between the first position and the second position, the axis being oriented generally parallel to the at least one opening.
In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above, in other embodiments, the mechanism is configured to translate perpendicular to a surface of the valve when the mechanism rotates about the axis.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments a biasing mechanism coupled to the mechanism is included, wherein the mechanism is biased to the first position by a biasing force of the biasing mechanism.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments the biasing mechanism is a coil spring mounted between the sealable body and the mechanism.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments the biasing mechanism is a torsion spring mounted between the sealable body and the mechanism.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments, the valve further comprises at least one protrusion extending from the flange.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments, the mechanism is coupled to the at least one protrusion.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments, the sealable body further comprises a container defining a chamber and a rotatable vane assembly coupled to an open end of the container.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments, the sealable body further comprises: a container defining a chamber; at least one rotatable vane disposed within the chamber; and a lid coupled to the open end of the container.
According to another embodiment, a food processing system comprises: a food processor base comprising a rotating member; and an attachment configured to be removably associated with the food processor base. The attachment comprises: a sealable body comprising at least one opening; a rotational coupling connected to at least one vane positioned within the chamber of the sealable body, the rotational coupling associable with the rotational component of the food processor base; and a vacuum seal assembly mounted to the sealable body adjacent the at least one opening. The vacuum seal assembly includes a valve and a mechanism movable to maintain or disengage the valve from the at least one opening or expose the valve to disengage the sealing engagement.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments the rotation of the at least one blade is driven by the rotating component.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments, the rotary component is configured to engage and drive the rotary coupling of the rotatable lobe assembly.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments, the valve includes a valve stem and a flange positioned in overlapping arrangement with the at least one opening.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments, the mechanism selectively applies a force to a peripheral portion of the flange to maintain the valve in sealing engagement with the at least one opening.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments the mechanism further comprises: an engagement member rotatable relative to the valve about an axis; and a biasing mechanism coupled to the engagement member, wherein the engagement member is biased into contact with the valve by a biasing force of the biasing mechanism.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments, the sealable body further comprises: a container comprising an open end; and a rotatable vane assembly comprising the rotational coupling connected to at least one vane, the rotatable vane assembly mounted to the open end of the container.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments the vacuum seal assembly is formed in the container.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments the vacuum seal assembly is formed in the rotatable vane assembly.
According to yet another embodiment, a method of blending one or more food products comprises: disposing the one or more food items within a chamber of a food processing attachment; and moving an engagement mechanism of a vacuum seal assembly of the food processing attachment from a first position to a second position. In the first position, a valve of the vacuum sealing assembly maintains sealing engagement with an opening in the food processing attachment, and in the second position, the valve releases the sealing engagement or the valve is exposed to release the sealing engagement. The method further includes creating a vacuum within the chamber and performing a food processing operation.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments, a vacuum device is applied to the vacuum seal assembly.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments, applying the vacuum device to the vacuum seal assembly moves the engagement mechanism from the first position to the second position.
In addition to or in the alternative to one or more features described above, in other embodiments, applying the vacuum device to the vacuum seal assembly can resist a biasing force of a biasing mechanism coupled to the engagement mechanism.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments, removing the vacuum device is included.
In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above, in other embodiments moving the engagement mechanism from the first position to the second position includes rotating the engagement mechanism in a first direction about an axis.
In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments includes releasing the vacuum within the chamber after performing the food processing operation.
In addition to or alternatively to one or more features described above, in other embodiments releasing the vacuum within the chamber further comprises further rotating the engagement mechanism in the first direction about the axis.
In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above, in other embodiments, further rotating the engagement mechanism in the first direction about the axis is performed manually.
According to yet another embodiment, a container includes: a sealable body defining a chamber; at least one first opening formed through a wall of the sealable body, the at least one opening in fluid communication with the chamber; a vacuum seal assembly mounted to the sealable body adjacent to the at least one opening; and at least one protrusion surrounding the at least one opening and extending into the chamber, wherein a distal tip of the protrusion is offset from an adjacent surface of the wall.
In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more features described above, in other embodiments, a surface area of the distal tip of the protrusion is minimized.
Drawings
The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a food processing system;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base of the food processing system;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a food processing system having a first attachment member;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an attachment suitable for use with a food processing system;
fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum seal assembly in a first configuration, according to an embodiment;
fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum seal assembly of fig. 5 in a second configuration, according to an embodiment;
fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another vacuum seal assembly in a first configuration, under an embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum seal assembly of FIG. 7 with a vacuum device applied thereto, in accordance with an embodiment;
fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum seal assembly of fig. 7 in a second configuration, according to an embodiment;
fig. 10 is a top perspective view of the vacuum seal assembly of fig. 7 in a third configuration, according to an embodiment;
fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum seal assembly of fig. 7 in a third configuration, according to an embodiment;
fig. 12 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another vacuum seal assembly in a first configuration, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a portion of the vacuum seal assembly of FIG. 12, according to an embodiment;
fig. 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the vacuum seal assembly of fig. 12 in a second configuration, in accordance with an embodiment;
fig. 15 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the vacuum seal assembly of fig. 12 in a third configuration, according to an embodiment;
16A-16C are top views of the vacuum seal assembly of FIG. 12, according to embodiments; and is
17A and 17B are cross-sectional views of a vacuum seal assembly located within a rotatable vane assembly according to an embodiment;
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum seal assembly according to another embodiment; and is
Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a vacuum seal assembly including a vent tube formed in a lid, under an embodiment.
Detailed description embodiments, together with advantages and features, of the invention are explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Detailed Description
Referring now to fig. 1 and 2, an example of a multi-functional food processing system 20 is shown in more detail. In general, the food processing system 20 may be adapted to perform any food processing or blending operation, including, by way of non-limiting example, dicing, shredding, cutting, slicing, blending, mixing, stirring, shredding, and the like. Although the food processing system shown and described herein is a personal blender system, other food processing systems are within the scope of the present disclosure.
The food processing system 20 includes a base 22 having a body or housing 24 within which a motorized unit (not shown) and at least one controller (not shown) are located. The base 22 includes at least one rotational component, such as a drive coupling 26 (see fig. 2) or the like, driven by a motorized unit located within the body 24. The base 22 additionally includes a control panel or user interface 28 having one or more inputs 29 for turning the motorized unit on and off, and for selecting various operating modes, such as pulsing, blending, or continuous food processing. The at least one drive coupler 26 is configured to engage a portion of an attachment 30 coupled to the base 22 for processing a food product located inside the attachment 30. This will become more apparent in subsequent figures and discussion.
One or more attachments 30 of varying sizes and/or functions may be configured for use with base 22. In an embodiment, the attachment 30 includes a cylinder or vessel 32 having a rotatable vane assembly 34. In some embodiments, the container 32 may be sized to hold about 72 fluid ounces. However, embodiments in which the container 32 has a larger or smaller capacity are also within the scope of the present disclosure. As shown, the container 32 generally includes a first open end 36, a second closed end 38, and one or more sidewalls 40 extending between the first and second ends 36, 40 to define a hollow interior chamber 42 of the container 32. The rotatable vane assembly 34 may be integrally formed with the second end 40 of the container 32 or, alternatively, may be removably coupled thereto. The attachment 30 may additionally include a lid 43 configured to be coupled to the first open end 36 of the container 32 to seal the container. The second sealing end 40 of the attachment of fig. 3 is configured to be mounted to the base 22 to perform food processing operations. Thus, when the attachment is connected to the base 22 and disconnected from the base 22, the orientation of the container remains substantially constant.
Another example of an attachment suitable for use with a food processing system is shown in fig. 4. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the attachment 30 is an inverted cylinder or container 32 to which is coupled a rotatable vane assembly 34. Similar to the attachment of fig. 3, the container 32 generally includes a first open end 36, a second closed end 38, and one or more sidewalls 40 extending between the first and second ends 36, 40 to define a hollow interior chamber 42 of the container 32. However, when the attachment 30 is a personal blending container having a first configuration when detached from the base 22 and a second, inverted configuration when coupled to the base 22, the rotatable blade assembly 34 is configured to be coupled to the first open end 36 of the container 32 to seal the chamber 42. The container 32 and blade assembly 34 may be threadably coupled together; however, it should be understood that other mechanisms for removably connecting the container 32 and blade assembly 34 are also contemplated herein.
In each of the various attachment configurations, the rotatable blade assembly 34 is configured to be coupled to the base 22 of the food processing system 20. A drive coupling (not shown) associated with at least one blade 36 is positioned external to rotatable drive assembly 34. The at least one drive coupler 26 is configured to engage the drive coupler to rotate the at least one vane 36 about axis X to process food products located within the chamber 42 of the attachment 30. It should be understood that the attachment 30, including the inverted container 32 and the rotatable blade assembly 34, is intended to be exemplary only, and that other attachments are also contemplated herein.
In embodiments where the attachment member 30 comprises an inverted container 32, the attachment member 30 may comprise one or more contact members 46, such as tabs or the like, positioned around the periphery of the attachment member 30. Although four contact members 46 are generally shown in the figures, any number of contact members 46 is within the scope of the present disclosure. In embodiments where the attachment 30 includes an inverted container 32 and a leaf assembly 34, the contact members 46 may extend outwardly from the container 32, the leaf assembly 34, or both.
The contact member 46 of the attachment 30 is configured to cooperate with the mounting region 48 of the base 22 to couple the attachment 30 to the base 22. As shown, the mounting area 48 includes one or more receiving slots 50 into which each of the plurality of contact members 46 of the attachment 30 may be received. The attachment 30 may be configured to slidably connect to the base 22 of the food processing system 20. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment 30 may be configured to rotatably connect to the base 22 such that the attachment 30 locks relative to the base 22. However, it should be understood that any suitable mechanism for coupling the attachment to the base 22 is within the scope of the present disclosure.
Referring now to fig. 4-14, the attachment 30 may include a vacuum seal assembly 52. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the vacuum seal assembly 52 is positioned at or near the closed second end 38 of the container 32. More specifically, the vacuum seal assembly 52 may be formed in an inner wall 54 of the container 32 that seals the chamber 42 but is offset from the second end 38 of the container 32. By placing vacuum seal assembly 52 in this position, vacuum seal assembly 52 is readily accessible to a user when attachment 30, particularly when attachment 30 including inverted container 32 is coupled to base 22 of food processing system 20. However, in other embodiments, the vacuum seal assembly 52 may be located at another location around the attachment 30. For example, depending on the configuration of the attachment 30, the vacuum seal assembly 52 may be formed in the rotatable vane assembly 34 or in the cover 43.
Various embodiments of a vacuum seal assembly 52 are shown. While the vacuum seal assembly 52 is generally shown as being centered along the axis defined by the attachment 30, it should be understood that embodiments in which the vacuum seal assembly 52 is offset from a central axis, such as adjacent the periphery of the attachment 30, etc., are also within the scope of the present disclosure. In each embodiment, a primary opening 56 and at least one secondary opening 58 (best shown in fig. 6) are formed in the end wall 54 of the container 32.
The vacuum seal assembly 52 includes an umbrella valve 60 having a valve stem 62 extending through the primary opening 56 and a flange 64 extending generally perpendicular to the valve stem 62. As shown, the distal tip 66 of the valve stem 62 is sized larger than the primary opening 56 to limit movement of the umbrella valve 60 relative to the container 32. The flow of fluid or food particles from the interior chamber 42 of the container 32 through the primary opening 56 is restricted via engagement between the valve stem 62 and the primary opening 56. The flange 64 is sized such that a portion of the flange 64 (e.g., near the periphery of the flange 64) is in an overlapping arrangement with the at least one secondary opening 58. Thus, under normal conditions, the flange 64 seals the at least one secondary opening 58 to prevent fluid and/or food particles from flowing therethrough. Umbrella valve 60 additionally includes at least one protrusion 68 extending generally upwardly from flange 64 in a direction generally opposite valve stem 62. In an embodiment, this protrusion 68 is disposed substantially adjacent to the periphery of flange 64 of umbrella valve 60.
In each of the illustrated embodiments, the vacuum seal assembly 52 includes a mechanism 70 configured to limit movement of a peripheral portion of the flange 64 of the umbrella valve 60. For example, referring to the embodiment of fig. 5 and 6, mechanism 70 includes a movable cover 72, e.g., rotatable about a hinge, between a closed position (fig. 5) and an open position (fig. 6) to access umbrella valve 60. Alternatively, the lid 72 may be completely separated from the container 32 when in the open position. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the lid 72 is retained in the closed position via a snap-fit connection, such as by receiving a protrusion 74 extending from the lid 72 within a complementary opening 76 formed in the receptacle 32. However, any suitable mechanism for selectively retaining the lid 72 in the closed position and for selectively releasing the lid 72 from the closed position is within the scope of the present disclosure.
The cover 72 may be formed of any suitable material, such as a food safe hard plastic or the like, and may be received within the contours of the container 32. Thus, when the container 32 is supported by its second end 38, such as before or after use with the food processing system 20, the container 32 is not supported by the lid 72.
As shown, first portion 78 of cap 72 is configured to contact umbrella valve 60 when cap 72 is in the closed position. First portion 78 may have a contour that is generally complementary to a corresponding surface of umbrella valve 60 such that first portion 78 applies a force to umbrella valve 60, and in particular, to a peripheral portion of flange 64 that seals at least one secondary opening 58. In embodiments, a resilient or rubber member 80 may be connected to or integrally formed with the first portion 78 and configured to engage a peripheral portion of the flange 64.
The vacuum seal assembly 52 of fig. 5 and 6 is switchable between a plurality of configurations and corresponding modes of operation. In a first normal or default mode of operation, as shown in fig. 5, the vacuum seal assembly 52 is in a first configuration. In the first configuration, lid 72 is closed and cooperates with umbrella valve 60 to seal primary opening 56 and secondary opening 58 of container 32. Food is typically added to the chamber 42 of the container 32 when the vacuum seal assembly 52 is in the first mode. Additionally, in the first mode and configuration, the rotatable blade assembly 34 may be attached to the container 32, and the attachment 30 may be coupled to the food processing base 22.
In the second mode of operation, the vacuum seal assembly 52 is arranged in the second configuration as a result of a vacuum pump or other suitable device 82 (see fig. 8) being positioned in overlapping arrangement with and operatively coupled to the umbrella valve 60. It should be understood that when the vacuum pump is operatively coupled to the umbrella valve 60, the vacuum pump 82 may be disposed in direct contact with the umbrella valve, or alternatively may be offset therefrom. Thus, in the second configuration, the cover 72 is in an open configuration. Additionally, in the second mode of operation, the vacuum device creates a negative pressure that is applied to the exposed surface of umbrella valve 60. The resulting negative pressure will separate the peripheral portion of flange 64 from auxiliary opening 58 just enough to allow air within chamber 42 to be drawn therethrough. Once the vacuum pressure generated by the device 82 ceases, the peripheral portion of the flange 64 will be biased back to its original position to seal the secondary opening 58. This bias may be caused by an elastomeric material such as silicone forming umbrella valve 60. Alternatively or additionally, the bias may also be caused by a negative pressure within the chamber 42. The vacuum seal assembly 52 is generally in this second mode of operation after the food has been disposed within the chamber 42 but before the food processing operation is performed. In another embodiment, the vacuum seal assembly 52 may be arranged in this second mode of operation to draw a vacuum within the chamber 42 after a food processing operation has been performed. Forming a vacuum after the blending operation may be used to extend the shelf life or storage life of the food product within the attachment 30.
The vacuum seal assembly 52 has a third configuration associated with a third mode of operation. In the third mode of operation, the peripheral portion of flange 64 is lifted from auxiliary opening 58, but vacuum device 82 is not present, to allow air to flow into chamber 42. To transition vacuum seal assembly 52 to the third configuration, a user may apply a rotational or upward force to protrusion 68 to break the seal between flange 64 of umbrella valve 60 and auxiliary opening 58. After a vacuum has been created within chamber 42 of container 32, it is difficult, if not impossible, to remove blade assembly 34 and/or lid 43 and access the food product within chamber 42 due to the forces acting thereon. Accordingly, the user should first break the vacuum within the container 32 by converting the vacuum seal assembly 52 to the third configuration and then access the contents within the interior 42 of the container 32.
Referring now to fig. 7-11, another embodiment of a vacuum seal assembly 52 is shown. In this embodiment, the mechanism 70 configured to limit movement of the peripheral portion of the flange 64 of the umbrella valve 60 includes a connector or engagement member 84 pivotally mounted to the wall 54 of the container 32. As shown, the pivot axis is defined at a central portion of the engagement member 84 such that a first side 86 of the engagement member 84 extends from the axis in a first direction and a second side 88 of the engagement member 84 extends from the axis in a second, opposite direction. In addition, the biasing mechanism 90 is coupled to and extends between a portion of the container 32 and the engagement member 84 at a location offset from the pivot axis. Due to the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 90, the engagement member 84 is biased to a position where the first side 86 of the engagement member 84 contacts the peripheral portion of the flange 64 to maintain the flange 64 in sealing engagement around the secondary opening 58. In addition, engagement member 84 may include an opening 92 through which protrusion 68 of umbrella valve 60 extends. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the distal end 94 of the projection 68 has an increased diameter relative to the opening 92. Thus, when engagement member 84 is rotated against the bias of biasing mechanism 90, engagement member 84 applies a force to umbrella valve 60 via engagement with distal tip 94 of protrusion 68.
Similar to the operation of the vacuum seal assembly of fig. 5-6, the vacuum seal assembly 52 of fig. 6-10 operates in a plurality of modes, each having a different configuration. During a first normal mode of operation (fig. 6), a first side 86 of the engagement member 84 is biased into contact with a peripheral portion of the flange 64 to maintain sealing engagement between the flange 64 and the secondary opening 58. In the second configuration, the vacuum pump 82 contacts the engagement member 84 such that the engagement member 84 partially rotates against the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 90. Thus, positioning the vacuum pump 82 around the vacuum seal assembly 52 moves the first side 86 of the engagement member 84 out of contact with the peripheral portion of the flange 64. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the engagement member 84 has a substantially horizontal orientation when in the second configuration.
In a second mode of operation, best shown in fig. 8 and 9, a vacuum device, shown at 82, is positioned around the vacuum seal assembly 52. The negative pressure created by the vacuum device 82 causes the peripheral portion of the flange 64 to separate from the wall 54 and, thus, the auxiliary opening 58. The peripheral portion of flange 64 will move only a minimal amount to allow air within chamber 42 to be drawn into vacuum 82. When the operation of the vacuum pump 82 is stopped, the resiliency of the valve 60 and the negative pressure within the chamber 42 will cause the peripheral portion of the flange 64 to reseal the secondary opening 58. Additionally, when the vacuum pump 82 is removed, the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 90 will bias the engagement member 84 back to the first configuration to limit movement of the peripheral portion of the flange 64 relative to the secondary opening 58.
In a third mode of operation, the engagement member 84 is arranged in a third configuration, as shown in fig. 10 and 11. In the third configuration, the engagement member 84 is rotated about the pivot axis even further in a direction opposite the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 90 such that the second side 88 of the engagement member 84 is located generally adjacent the wall 54 of the container 34. With this rotation of engagement member 84, first side 86 of engagement member 84 applies an upward force to flange 64 of umbrella valve 60 via engagement between engagement member 84 and tip 94 of protrusion 68. This rotation of the engagement member 84 will cause the peripheral portion of the flange 64 to separate from the wall 54 of the container 32 and allow air to flow freely into the chamber 42. In the third mode of operation, the user applies a force to the second side 88 of the engagement member 84 that opposes the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 90. In an embodiment, a dimple or other indicator 96 (see fig. 10) may be formed on or in the engagement member 84 to identify to the user where to apply the force, i.e., press down on the engagement member 84 to break the vacuum seal formed by the valve 60.
In yet another embodiment shown in fig. 12-15, mechanism 70, which is configured to limit movement of a peripheral portion of flange 64 of umbrella valve 60, comprises an engagement member 98 rotatably mounted to one or more side walls 100 disposed about umbrella valve 60 and extending perpendicularly from wall 54 (see fig. 13). A portion of the engagement member 98 is received within a track 102 formed in one or more sidewalls 100 such that when the engagement member 98 is rotated in a first direction about axis Y, the engagement member 98 will travel along a path defined by the track 102. Track 102 is contoured to facilitate vertical movement of engagement member 98 relative to umbrella valve 60. In an embodiment, the mechanism 70 additionally includes a biasing member (not shown), such as a torsion spring or the like, coupled to the engagement member 98. The biasing force of the biasing member resists rotation of the engagement member 98 in the first direction and, thus, movement of the engagement member 98 out of contact with the umbrella valve 60.
Additionally, engagement member 98 may be coupled to protrusion 68 of umbrella valve 60. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the projections 68 include a plurality of projections 68 (see FIG. 13). However, it should be understood that embodiments including only a single protrusion 68 are also within the scope of the present disclosure. When engaging member 98 is rotated about axis Y in a first direction against the bias of the biasing mechanism, engaging member 98 applies an upward force to umbrella valve 60 via engagement with one or more protrusions 68 to break the seal between the peripheral portion of flange 64 and at least one secondary opening 58.
The vacuum seal assembly of fig. 12-16 may operate in a first, normal, or default mode (fig. 11) when the vacuum seal assembly 52 is in the first configuration. In the first configuration, the engagement member 98 is biased downward and in contact with a peripheral portion of the flange 64 to maintain sealing engagement between the flange 64 and the at least one secondary opening 58. A top view of the engagement member 98 in the first configuration is shown in fig. 16A. Referring to fig. 14 and 16B, in the second configuration, engagement member 98 is partially rotated in the direction indicated by arrow a against the biasing force of the biasing mechanism such that engagement member 98 is minimally offset from the peripheral portion of flange 64 of umbrella valve 60. In the second mode of operation, the vacuum device 82 is positioned about the vacuum seal assembly 52. In an embodiment, the mounting of the vacuum device 82 about the vacuum seal assembly 52 rotates the engagement member 98 against the bias of the biasing mechanism. As shown, one or more grooves 99 may be formed in the sidewall surrounding the vacuum seal assembly 52. The vacuum pump 82 may include corresponding tabs or protrusions (not shown) that may be received within these grooves 99. Thus, the configuration of each groove 99 not only holds the vacuum pump 82 in place relative to the vacuum seal assembly 52, but also defines the maximum amount of rotation of the vacuum pump 82 that can be transferred to the engagement member 98. In an embodiment, the groove 99 is designed to limit rotation of the vacuum pump 82, and thus the engagement member, beyond the second configuration.
The negative pressure generated during operation of the vacuum device 82 may cause the peripheral portion of the flange 64 to separate from the wall 54 and, thus, the auxiliary opening 58. The peripheral portion of flange 64 will move to allow air from within chamber 42 to be drawn into vacuum 82. When the negative pressure is removed, the biasing force of the biasing mechanism will bias the engagement member 98 back to the first configuration to seal the secondary opening 58.
In a third mode of operation, the engagement member 98 is arranged in a third configuration, as shown in fig. 15 and 16C. In the third configuration, the engagement member 98 is further rotated about axis Y in the first direction indicated by arrow a such that the engagement member 98 moves vertically upward within the track 102. With this rotation and corresponding vertical movement of engagement member 98, engagement member 98 applies an upward force to one or more protrusions 68 of umbrella valve 60, thereby separating the peripheral portion of flange 64 from wall 54 of container 32 and allowing air to flow freely into chamber 42. The third mode of operation is typically initiated by the user by applying a rotational force to the exterior of the engagement member 98 to resist the biasing force of the biasing mechanism. In an embodiment, one or more tabs 104 extend from an outer surface of the engagement member 98 to facilitate rotation of the engagement member 98 by a user.
Referring now to fig. 17A and 17B, an example of another vacuum seal assembly 52 of the attachment 30 of the food processing system 20 is shown. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the vacuum seal assembly 52 is shown as being formed in the rotatable vane assembly 34 coupled to the inverted container 32. However, it should be understood that the vacuum sealing assembly 52 may additionally or alternatively be located at the lid 43 or container 32 of the attachment 30. Similar to the previous embodiment, the vacuum seal assembly 52 includes an umbrella valve 60 having a valve stem 62 extending through the primary opening and a flange 64 extending generally perpendicular to the valve stem 62. The flange 64 is sized such that a portion of the flange 64 (e.g., near the periphery of the flange 64) is in an overlapping arrangement with the at least one secondary opening 58. Umbrella valve 60 additionally includes at least one protrusion 68 extending from flange 64 in a direction generally opposite valve stem 62.
Under normal conditions, the flange 64 seals the at least one secondary opening 58 to prevent fluid and/or food particles from flowing therethrough. Additionally, by positioning the vacuum seal assembly in the rotatable vane assembly 34 or the cover 43 of the attachment 30, the contents of the chamber 42 are generally not in contact with the valve 60 when the attachment 30 is not coupled to the base 22. This reduces the risk of the composition leaking through the seal formed by the valve. It should be understood, however, that the vacuum seal assembly 52 of fig. 17A and 17B may be adapted to include an engagement mechanism, such as described with reference to another embodiment, to apply a force to the periphery of the flange 64 to limit movement of the flange 64 out of sealing engagement with the auxiliary opening 58.
Referring to fig. 18 and 19, the container 32 may additionally include one or more vent tubes 110 to prevent liquid from draining from the chamber 42 during vacuum operations. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, each snorkel 110 is formed around one or more secondary openings 58. As shown, each vent tube 110 includes a protrusion 112 that extends into the chamber 42, such as via extrusion. Distal tip 114 of vent tube 110 is offset from an adjacent portion of a wall, such as wall 54, through which secondary opening 58 extends. The inclusion of the vent tube 110 prevents residual liquid from exiting the secondary opening 58 during vacuum operations. Because fluid disposed in contact with distal tip 114 of vent tube 110 may be drawn into auxiliary opening 58 due to surface tension during a vacuum operation, the total surface area of distal tip 114 of vent tube 110 is minimized to reduce the amount of evacuated ingredients. By positioning the distal tip 114 of the vent tube 110 offset from the surface of the wall 54, liquid disposed in contact with the wall 54 is prevented from being drawn into the auxiliary opening 58.
Referring again to FIG. 17B, in some embodiments, umbrella valve 60 may optionally include one or more first passages 120 extending generally parallel to flange 64. First passage 120 may communicate with a second passage 122, such as a vertically oriented passage formed in valve stem 62, and also with a small gap 124 formed in a wall adjacent umbrella valve 60. Liquid can pass from first passage 120 to gap 124 and to the underside of flange 64 of umbrella valve 60. The first and/or second passages 120, 122 shown and described herein may be used in place of or in addition to the vent tube 110, as shown in fig. 18 and 19, to prevent excess liquid from within the chamber 42 from being drawn through the auxiliary opening 58 during a vacuum operation.
The container 32 with the vacuum seal assembly 52 as shown and described herein can provide a food product with increased vitamin retention, particularly vitamin C, when used in conjunction with a vacuum device prior to a food processing operation. Exposure to oxygen during the stirring process can degrade the contents of the container. By removing oxygen from the container, the overall deterioration of the nutritional properties of the component being processed is reduced.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Exemplary embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Claims (36)
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CN2018/099931 WO2020029242A1 (en) | 2018-08-10 | 2018-08-10 | Blender system with vibration proof seal |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN112638217A true CN112638217A (en) | 2021-04-09 |
| CN112638217B CN112638217B (en) | 2024-03-26 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| CN201880096502.5A Active CN112638217B (en) | 2018-08-10 | 2018-08-10 | Stirrer system with vibration-proof seal |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US12251051B2 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP3833231A4 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN112638217B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2020029242A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| CA200981S (en) * | 2020-07-08 | 2021-11-24 | Midea Group Co Ltd | Base for food processor |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2020029242A1 (en) | 2020-02-13 |
| US20210321824A1 (en) | 2021-10-21 |
| US12251051B2 (en) | 2025-03-18 |
| EP3833231A4 (en) | 2022-03-30 |
| EP3833231A1 (en) | 2021-06-16 |
| CN112638217B (en) | 2024-03-26 |
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